Campfire Radio Theater – “The Dreams of Wolves”
We are proud to present “The Dreams of Wolves,” a standalone episode that many listeners have placed in a class of its own.
Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, this story blends historical grit with supernatural dread. It is an atmospheric journey into the woods of Virginia, where the only thing more dangerous than the enemy soldiers are the beasts that hunt by the light of the harvest moon.
The Story: War and Wilderness
“The rumored lore of bloodthirsty beasts roaming the woodland of Crooked Run, Virginia had been passed on from the old country…”
The year is 1864. Sergeant Daniel Calloway and the remnants of his squad are separated from their regiment following a skirmish near Hickory Creek. Lost, wounded, and exhausted, they stumble upon a secluded plantation home surrounded by a withered cornfield.
Inside, they find three women trying to survive the war on their own terms. But as night falls, Calloway realizes that the isolation of the farm is not an accident, it is a necessity. Something wild preys on the livestock during the full moon, and the soldiers have walked directly into its hunting ground.
More Than Just a Monster Story
What sets “The Dreams of Wolves” apart is its thematic depth. As one astute listener noted, “The story isn’t just the horror of the wolves, but the horror of war.”
The script explores the futility of the conflict, asking what meaning there is in missions that may be “all for naught, paid for in blood.” The supernatural horror serves as a dark mirror to the violence of the era, creating a narrative that is as tragic as it is terrifying.
A Haunting Civil War Score
The music for this episode has received particular acclaim, with listeners noting that it “gets better with every episode.”
For the score, I opted against using a traditional stock march tune. Instead, I wrote an original piece attempting to capture the authentic feel and time of a Civil War drum & fife band. The rest of the score is stripped down, utilizing period-appropriate instrumentation to create an immersive, melancholy atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.
Listener Response
“The Dreams of Wolves” has earned a dedicated following for its powerful performances and atmospheric production.
- “This podcast is in a class of its own.”
- “I can’t stress enough how amazing the music is.”
- “Soren Narnia did an amazing job. One of my favorite voice types.”
Warning: Contains explicit language, violence, and frightening situations.
Cast and Crew
Written, directed, and produced by John Ballentine.
Original music score by Kevin Hartnell.
The Cast:
- Soren Narnia (of Knifepoint Horror) as Sgt. Calloway
- Melissa Medina as Callie
- Blane Hicklin as Barnes
- Monique Sacay-Bagwell as Mrs. Viola
- Owen McCuen as Fairchild
- Shelby Sessler as Abigail
- John Bell as General Steed
- Julie Hoverson as The Host
Subscribe and Follow
Visit the official Campfire Radio Theater website.
- Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your podcast app of choice.
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